Throughout my career I swam for form. Speed came as a result of it.

Meaning of the quote

Johnny Weissmuller, a famous American actor, explained that instead of just focusing on swimming as fast as possible, he focused on having the right swimming technique or "form." By perfecting his swimming form, he was able to swim faster as a natural result, without directly trying to go faster. This approach helped him become a great swimmer and actor.

About Johnny Weissmuller

Johnny Weissmuller was an American Olympic swimmer and actor who dominated the 20th century competitive swimming scene. He later went on to play the iconic role of Tarzan in a series of films, cementing his legacy as a true Renaissance man of his era.

More about the author

More quotes from Johnny Weissmuller

I have always been vitally interested in physical conditioning. I have long believed that athletic competition among people and nations should replace violence and wars.

Johnny Weissmuller

American swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)

Swimming gave me my start, but my pal Tarzan did the real work. He set me up nicely.

Johnny Weissmuller

American swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)

How can a guy climb trees, say Me Tarzan, You Jane, and make a million?

Johnny Weissmuller

American swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)

The director sent for me for Tarzan. I climbed the tree and walked out on a limb. The next day I was told I was an actor.

Johnny Weissmuller

American swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)

I could make good time because I was so long and skinny, shooting through the water like a stick.

Johnny Weissmuller

American swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)

I never lost a freestyle race. Never. Not even in the YMCA.

Johnny Weissmuller

American swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)

When people don’t know me any more or want my autograph, then I’ll think about retiring.

Johnny Weissmuller

American swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)

Can you imagine – a blond Tarzan?

Johnny Weissmuller

American swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)

No marriage can stand up under the strain of incessant association.

Johnny Weissmuller

American swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)

With but few exceptions, it is always the underdog who wins through sheer willpower.

Johnny Weissmuller

American swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)

Throughout my career I swam for form. Speed came as a result of it.

Johnny Weissmuller

American swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)

All the guys called the Olympic Village a high-class Boy Scout camp.

Johnny Weissmuller

American swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)

Treat your body well, and it’ll see you through for many years.

Johnny Weissmuller

American swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)

I need freedom to be happy.

Johnny Weissmuller

American swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)

I learned to yodel pretty well. It took me a few months, but I eventually perfected it.

Johnny Weissmuller

American swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)

The William Morris Agency handled me. In that business, you’re only as good as your last picture.

Johnny Weissmuller

American swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)

We didn’t have the lane ropes, we had to get up higher in the water to avoid the little waves.

Johnny Weissmuller

American swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)